Report: Climate change already altering the rhythms of nature

Dec. 18, 2012

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Climate change is having a greater effect on plants and animals of the West than previously thought, and it’s happening much faster than expected, according to a federal report.

A changing climate is stressing plants, animals and the ecosystems they inhabit to a greater degree than at any other period in human history, according to a U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Federation and University of Arizona report released Tuesday. The report will be part of the federal government’s 2013 National Climate Assessment.

Climate change is forcing plants and animals to shift where they live and grow more quickly than expected, the report concludes. Mountain species are moving upward in elevation at rates up to three times greater than scientists estimated because of a warming climate.

Biological diversity across the planet is expected to decline while extreme weather could mean heavy rains in places that aren’t accustomed to them.

Just like Larimer County has seen in the High Park Fire burn area, heavy rainfall is expected to sweep pollutants downstream, affecting the fish and other plants and animals that live below.

“As a consequence, regulation of drinking water quality is very likely to be strained as high rainfall and river discharge lead to higher levels of nitrogen in rivers and greater risk of waterborne disease outbreaks,” the report says.

“The impact of climate change on ecosystems has important implications for people and communities,” National Wildlife Federation climate scientist Amanda Staudt said in a statement. “Shifting climate conditions are affecting valuable ecosystem services, such as the role that coastal habitats play in dampening storm surge or the ability of our forests to provide timber and help filter our drinking water.”